Success Stories

From the Heart

Russel

Caswell Court

Russell was one of the first residents of Caswell Court. He enjoys the social interaction with his neighbors and all the amenities that Centennial Village offers. He’s quick to let you know that being in a wheelchair does not slow him down. Every morning during the summer, he will wheel himself down the street to the local pancake house – which is a mile away! Not only is it good exercise but it’s a trek that Russell enjoys making.

Originally from Nome, Russell served in Vietnam on the USS Johnston. After his military service was over, Russell moved back to Alaska and settled in Anchorage. In 2015, he moved to Centennial Village and loves every moment of it.

Sharon

Centennial Village

“It suddenly hit me one day as I was returning from a trip – I’m home, “ Sharon recalls when she stepped inside her Centennial Village apartment after returning from a trip. “And I suddenly realized how happy I was to be home.”

Sharon always knew that Centennial Village was a good place for seniors to live with its location, amenities, activities and events. However, she always thought of it as just “another place to rent”. It wasn’t until she returned from a visit of her hometown of Kodiak that she realized that her apartment was truly her home. That moment of epiphany really made her happy.
Sharon enjoys the location of Centennial Village especially the mountain views outside her windows. She also enjoys interacting with her fellow residents at Centennial Village in addition to partaking in the activities and events that are offered.

Dorothy

Centennial Village

Dorothy has many roles in her very interesting background – Truck Driver, Book Author, Boat Examiner, and Commander in the Coast Guard Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol (where she is still serving). However, the role she enjoys nowadays is that of a Centennial Village resident. Dorothy loves the activities that Centennial Village offers, especially the senior games competition. Her building, Tyonek Terrace, holds the most trophies for “Best Building Participation” in the senior games. Recently Wii Bowling was introduced as a competitive category and it quickly became one of Dorothy’s favorite activities.

She enjoys the close-knit comradery of her building and of the community in general. When she’s not enjoying Centennial Village activities, you can find her teaching boating safety to school kids. As mentioned above, Dorothy still serves in the Coast Guard Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol.
Interesting Fact: When Dorothy decided to transfer to Alaska, she signed her own transfer papers as she was the commander.

June

Not many people would leave the Mediterranean climate of sunny Southern California to live in the subarctic region of Anchorage, Alaska, but June had three very good reasons to do so – her grandchildren. June became their primary caregiver and left her old life in Long Beach behind, without even a second thought. “I love my grandchildren and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for them,” June says. “And that includes moving over 3000 miles to take care of them.”

June, who was retired, went back into the workforce. Finding a job was the easy part for her. Finding an affordable home in a good location so her grandchildren could feel safe while growing up was proving to be the difficult part. Someone told June about Cook Inlet Housing Authority so she came into the office and filled out a housing application.
“I was initially hesitant about Anchorage Affordable Housing as my credit wasn’t the greatest,” June recalled. “However, they were very nice and worked with me to determine the best options for us. The place they had available was nicer than anything I could have imagined. We have wonderful neighbors, my grandchildren have easy access to bike trails and playgrounds, and they enjoy the after-school Camp Fire program which is also a blessing for me. I’m very fortunate to have found Anchorage Affordable Housing.”